Who can be an organ donor?

People of all ages can now be considered for organ donation. Organs and tissues are required at the time of death and relatives will be asked about the donor's wishes, and for their agreement to organ/tissue donation. To help them, let them know your wishes. Discuss this with your family / whanau.

Which organs / tissue are usually required?

Organ / tissue transplants have become a successful part of medical practice for New Zealanders. Donation can include kidneys, liver, heart valves, heart, lungs, pancreas, eyes, bone and skin.

How does organ / tissue donation work?

The process starts when a person has suffered severe and irreversible brain damage from which there is no hope of recovery. He/she will be on a ventilator in an intensive care unit and a number of tests will be carried out to determine brain death. Brain death occurs when the brain has died from a lack of blood flow.

In all cases, the maximum medical treatment and care will have been given to the patient before brain death is determined and before organ donation is considered.

Only a small number of people become brain dead but everyone needs to be prepared.

Is the body of the donor disfigured by organ / tissue donation?

No. The body of the donor is treated with respect and dignity. The operation is carried out in an operating room by experienced transplant surgeons. The incisions are closed and sutured as they would be for any other operation. After the operation, funeral arrangements are carried out as usual by the family.

What happens to the organs / tissue?

Donated organs are transplanted into the best-matched recipients within a few hours for heart, lungs and livers and within 24 hours for kidneys. Tissues such as corneas, heart valves, bone and skin can be stored for longer periods. The name of the donor and the person who receives the organ / tissue remains confidential.

How do the organ / tissue recipients feel about the operation?

The usual feeling is one of profound gratitude. The donor family has given the precious gift of renewed health and life.

What is the view of religious groups towards organ / tissue donation?

Most religious groups support the concept on the basis that organ / tissue donation is a gift of life to another individual. If you are in doubt, however, consult your minister or elder.

Tissue donation after death

Eyes, heart valves, bone and skin for transplantation and other tissue for teaching and research, can also be donated after death and is not limited to only those people who die following brain death.

Discuss organ and tissue donation with your family, make your decision and ensure your relatives/whanau know your wishes.

Original material provided by Organ Donation New Zealand.